New guidelines are laying out better denim manufacturing practices that focus on garment durability, recyclability, and traceability. The popular denim pants of today are a far cry from the tough work wear that they were originally designed to be, and are often so stretchy, distressed, and heavily dyed that they last a fraction of the time that their less-trendy predecessors did.

In an effort to fix this problem, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation has released a set of guidelines. The guidelines strive to tackle waste, pollution, and other harmful practices in the denim industry. They set out minimum requirements on garment durability, material health, recyclability and traceability. The guidelines are based on the principles of the circular economy and will work to ensure jeans last longer, can easily be recycled, and are made in a way that is better for the environment and the health of garment workers. A pair of jeans should be so designed it can withstand at least 30 washes. The garment should include clear product care information on labels; contain at least 98 per cent cellulose fibers made from regenerative, organic or transitional farming methods; should not contain metal rivets or keep these to a minimum; and should be easy to disassemble for recycling.